We're back with the 2nd part of our series as we unpack the ADULT model we use here at Unbound to structure all of our programs. ADULT stands for Ask, Do, Understand, Live, Thrive.

In the last episode, we talked about the importance of asking good questions and shifting to a question-based paradigm. Today, we discuss the next letter in the acronym: DO. It's not enough to ask good questions. We must put knowledge into action. Much like money that isn't invested, knowledge that isn't applied loses its potential value. We talk about the reality of modern work, whether remote or office-based, and the importance of creating value. Plus, we reflect on the critical balance between productivity and self-worth, emphasizing that our work should be a reflection of our identity and gifts, not the source of our value.

01:33 Understanding the 'Adult' Framework

02:15 The Importance of 'Do' in the Framework

03:12 Challenges of the Information Age

04:44 Remote Work and Productivity

09:21 Creating Value in Modern Work

13:39 The Philosophical Perspective on Knowledge and Action

20:02 Balancing Productivity and Self-Worth

25:51 Spiritual Perspective on Work and Identity

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

Today, we're bringing you a special presentation from Riley Maas, one of our many talented communicators at Unbound. Riley recently shared this keynote presentation at our Capstone event as we wrapped up this year's Ascend program. You'll hear Riley break down the concept of mentorship and connections, making it both practical and relatable. You'll learn about the idea of the 1% mentor, the importance of seeing the Imago Dei in others, and how both intentional and unintentional connections shape our lives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of finding a mentor or simply want to improve your connections, this episode is for you.

05:08 Defining Connection

06:51 The Who of Connection

16:43 The What of Connection

25:41 The Why of Connection

30:25 Riley's Personal Story on Connection

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

When so many young adults fail to thrive as they enter adulthood, what separates those who find success? In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we pick up the conversation from our last episode and explore the fragility we've seen in today's young adults—especially college students. We're joined by Trent Emmack, an admissions counselor for Unbound and our resident deep thinker, to discuss the lack of long-term hope and the lack of ambition to seek out challenges. We tackle how to encourage young adults to take on difficult tasks, learn from failures, and grow into independent, thriving individuals.

Here is the link to the article we referenced in our conversation:

"Everyone Is Cheating Their Way Through College" - NY Magazine

02:00 Discussing the State of College Students Today

05:59 Observations on Parental Involvement and Homeschooling

09:58 The Role of Difficulty and Resilience in Growth

15:21 The Impact of Cultural Trends on Young Adults

23:27 Encouraging Vision and Imperatives for Young Adults

28:57 Conclusion: Opting Out of Bad Cultural Trends

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we discuss the declining state of traditional education and its shift toward a transactional relationship. Some recent articles from researchers and college professors have shed light on an alarming and depressing trend: college students have become little more than human assistants for AI bots. Rampant AI cheating and the lack of academic integrity among today's college students have reached a critical level.

By contrast, the recent experience we had at our Capstone event highlighted a lot of really positive aspects of students in our Unbound community. Curiosity, critical thinking, and genuine learning are celebrated by the leaders, but more importantly, it's celebrated by the students. If you're looking to foster a healthier and more meaningful educational path for young adults, join us as we explore how to be radically countercultural in today's world by embracing timeless values and a commitment to real knowledge and personal growth.

Here are some links to the articles we referenced in our conversation:

• "Everyone Is Cheating Their Way Through College" - NY Magazine
• "Why AI is Destroying Academic Integrity" - Hilarius Book Binder (Substack)

01:56 The Depressing State of Modern Education

04:36 Rampant AI Cheating in Universities

06:14 The Transactional Nature of Higher Education

08:46 Unbound's Unique Educational Environment

19:41 The Importance of Community and Relationships

21:19 A Macro View on Education and Culture

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of 'adulting' and why the term itself is harmful. Jonathan, David, and Trent talk about the shortcomings of the current education system in preparing young adults for real-world responsibilities. We explore the importance of having a clear purpose, the disparity between academic skills and practical life skills, and the absolutely essential role of taking on responsibilities early in life. Bridge this gap and building resilience in young adults is the responsibility of every generation in order for society to continue, and we solve it all right here (well, maybe not, but we hope you'll have a few "aha" moments along the way).

02:38 Cultural Expectations and Extended Adolescence

05:04 Generational Cycles and Materialism

08:39 The YOLO Mentality and Its Consequences

11:49 The Disconnect Between Education and Real-World Skills

23:03 The Importance of Purpose and Responsibility

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we talk about alternative approaches to education with our guest, Justin McGeary, from Trinity House Tutorials. We dive into the ancient Oxford tutorial system, a uniquely intensive and conversational way of learning that emphasizes critical thinking, essay writing, and personalized feedback. Justin shares how he is applying this time-honored method to today's educational landscape, particularly for homeschool high school students. We talk about the benefits of this method in developing both knowledge and essential life skills, transforming the learning experience from rote memorization to ownership. Join us to discover how these old-school techniques can be incredibly relevant and powerful in equipping young adults for the modern world.

02:36 The Changing Paradigm of Education

03:56 Exploring Oxford Style Tutoring

04:32 Justin's Background and Trinity House Tutorials

06:27 The Oxford Tutorial System Explained

10:46 Practical Applications and Benefits

19:25 Trinity House Tutorials: Customizable Learning

25:53 Encouragement for Homeschooling Parents

Check out Trinity House Tutorials at: https://www.trinityhousetutorials.com/

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we explore the nuanced differences between traditional leadership and influence. We discuss why the pursuit of fame, fortune, and power often leads to cynicism and despair and how shifting focus to influence can foster genuine positive change. Joining us is Victoria Schurter - VP of Content and Development at Unbound - to provide insights from her experience in leadership courses.

There's an eternal significance to influencing people in our day-to-day lives. We all share some personal stories that highlight the impactful ways we can exhibit leadership outside of conventional structures. We also give a sneak peek into our upcoming Capstone event, which is centered around leading with hope.

02:34 Redefining Leadership and Influence

07:58 Personal Experiences with Influence

12:01 The Eternal Perspective of Influence

23:26 Practical Applications of Influence

29:01 Capstone Event Preview

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill